Sidewalk and frost heaves are dangerous for commercial properties, as they create “trippers,” or potential hazards for customers to trip over while walking. A frost heave is caused by freezing temperatures and water, as the sidewalk rises from the frozen ground. If you notice sidewalk heaves at commercial business, call PTG today! We are an expert at fixing these issues tripping hazards, eliminating any potential liability.
What Is A Frost Heave?
Frost heaves are common for areas with cold climates during the winter. Asphalt changes with the temperature, and you may notice that your sidewalk raises as the winter temperature changes from freezing days to warmer days. When the weather reaches frozen temperatures, the subgrade under a sidewalk freezes and lifts up the concrete or pavement. As the temperature gets warmer and the subgrade thaws, the section of sidewalk that was heaved settles and lowers back to the original elevation. However, this often results in cracks in the sidewalk, which are known as “trippers.”
Asphalt and Concrete
Depending on the temperature changes, asphalt can heave up to four inches. Frost heaves most commonly occur in parking lots and sidewalks where the asphalt meets concrete. This is because when the asphalt is installed up to concrete, there is a joint that allows water to infiltrate and find its way under the asphalt.
Preventing Frost Heave
To prevent winter damage, all cracks should be sealed with a protective sealant. Frost heaves can affect your parking lot just as much as sidewalks, as stormwater runoff seeps into the cracks and as cars drive over them, it often results in potholes being formed. Concrete sidewalks should contain reinforcing steel; an average sidewalk slab should have bars ½ inch in diameter placed in the middle of the slab. The bars help to lift the concrete slab all at once, which prevents cracking.
Concrete and Asphalt Maintenance You Can Trust from PTG Enterprises
If you want to protect your concrete and asphalt and ensure it has a long lifespan, choose PTG Enterprises for your sealcoating and asphalt maintenance needs. We offer commercial concrete, masonry, asphalt installation, repair, and paving throughout Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, and P.G. Counties. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 636-8777. For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, and Flickr.
Tags: frost heave, My Pavement Guy, PTG Enterprises, sidewalk
